Uses
Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination is used to treat outer ear infections caused by certain bacteria. It is also used to treat outer ear infections that can occur after certain types of ear surgery. Neomycin and polymyxin are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the ear to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Side Effects Of Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Hydrocortisone Otic
This medication may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning or stinging after instilling the medication
- skin thinning
- small white or red bumps on the skin
- acne
- unwanted hair growth
- skin color changes
Some side effects of neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination and call your doctor immediately:
- hearing loss, which may be permanent
- skin redness, swelling, or itching
- skin dryness or scaling
- decreased urination
- swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- unusual tiredness or weakness
This medication may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Mycifradin, others); polymyxin; hydrocortisone (Anusol HC, Cortef, others); aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin (Gentak, Genoptic), kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobrex, Tobi); sulfites; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone solution or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have a hole or tear in your eardrum or if you have an ear infection caused by a virus such as chickenpox or herpes. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use this medication.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Hydrocortisone Otic
Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination come as a solution (liquid) and a suspension (liquid with undissolved particles) to instill in the ear. It is usually used in the affected ear(s) three to four times a day for up to 10 days. Use the medication at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination are only for use in the ears. Do not use in the eyes.
Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination. If your symptoms do not improve after one week or get worse, call your doctor.
To use the neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic eardrops, follow these steps:
- Hold the bottle in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the solution.
- If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well.
- Clean and dry the affected ear canal thoroughly with a sterile cotton applicator.
- Lie down with the affected ear upward.
- Place the prescribed number of drops into your ear.
- Be careful not to touch the dropper tip to your ear, fingers, or any other surface.
- Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for 5 minutes.
- Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary. If you prefer, you may place a cotton wick into the ear canal, and then the cotton may be saturated with the ear drops. The wick should be replaced at least once every 24 hours.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
